new to chess

Hi my name is parco and I am new to chess. Chess is a game that has always fascinated me unfortunatley I have never had the nerve to try and learn. To me it was something only really clever people took part in. But a few weeks ago a freind challenged me to a game. Needless to say he wiped the floor with me. But I was hooked, I enjoyed every move so I promised myself that next time I play I was going to present a bit of a challenge.(I HOPE!) So if anyone out there has any tips or advise for a determined complete novice I would be very gratefull.                All the best PARCO.